Wall construction



H. HoLDswoRTH 2,150.061

WALL CONSTRUCTION Filed Aug. 5,- 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet l 7J {E fiwl March 7, 1939.

I'VENTOR. Harry Holclsworllz BY MOC/( ATTORNELS Ef V fur la 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 H. HOLDSWORTH WALL CONSTRUCTION Filed Aug. 5, 1938 March 7, 1939.

SPOT NEU) INVENTOR Harry Holdworth I /VC 4 Hww? ATTORNEYS n w w March 7, 1939. H HoLDswoRTH WALL CONSTRUCTION 5, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 En.' :11E

Filed Aug.

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P01 NELD ATTORN S l 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Aug. 5

INV NTOR. Harry Holdsworllz /M f m ATTORNEYS Patented Mar. 7, 1939.

audaci CONSTRUCTION I Harry Holdsworth, Bronxville, N. Y., .assigner to Holdsworth Bros., Inc., NewYork, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application August 5,'1sss, serial No. 223,196 5 claims. .(oi. '1a-4s) OFFICE My invention relates to a'newand improved wall or partition construction, and an improved method of making the same.

' One of -the objects of the invention is to pro videa construction which can be manufactured and erected with a great saving in labor cost.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pre-fabricated basefor a wall or' partition' construction, said base being of the type which can be manufactured-at low cost.

Another object is to produce a pre-fabricated base which will cooperate with .the other elements oi.' a wall or partition, to produce a simple and rigid constructionwhich can be erected with a g'reatsaving in labr cost.`

Another object' of the invention is to provide a pre-fabricated base for a wall or partition which will include a member with which the vertical columns are adapted to interiit, said mem- K 20' ber being combined with laterally spaced base" members, which maybe moldings or which may be a diierent type.

Another object is to provide a unit or assembly which acts as a base for the two sides of a parvertical column associated therewith. Part of the representation of the base has been omitted in this iigure, in order to show the construction clearly.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the pre-fabricated base.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view on the line 3 3 of Fig. i.

Figs. 4 7 inclusive are views generally similar to Fig. 3, showing respectively different embodiments of the invention. Fig. 8 is a sectional viewl in a vertical piane, showing a dierent embodiment of the invention, which applies particularly to finishing an Iexterior wall.

Fig. 9 is a View similar` to Fig. 8, showing a modiiication thereof.

Fig. l0 is a sectional view which illustrates a further modification of the invention.

Fig. 11 is' a front elevation taken at the lefthand side of Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a front elevation taken at the righthand side of Hg. 10.

Fig. 1 3 illustrates. an additional modiiication in which there are two rows of upright columns or the like in the wall or partition. Fig. 14 illustrates an additional modiiication.

Fig. 15'is a sectional view on the line i5-I5 of Fig. 14.

Fig. 16 'is a perspective view, showing one of the structural elements o f one type of the improved base.

Fig. 17 illustrates a modication in which the base is made of an vintegral piece\.of metal. This `is a section on .the line Il-Il of Fig. 18.

Fig. 18- is a top plan view of the construction showninFig. 1'1.

Fig. 19 is a top plan view showing a modied base, which is made from a single sheet of metal.

Heretofore, in erecting a wall or partition,'it has been suggested to interilt Vvertical channels with a metal strap having recesses. Whenever a wallV or partition is constructed, it is usually necessary to provide a base which is made of wood'vor metal or cement, so as iso-prevent the plaster ofthe wall or partition from contacting with objects which are moved along the `iloor of theroom.. V

Accordingto the previous practice, the manu facture of the base was extremelyexpensive. If

the base were made of wood, it was necessary t`o construct a wood ground, prior to the application of the plaster to the wall or partition. This wood ground consisted of a horizontal strip of wood which was nailed or otherwise secured to the frame-work of the wall or partition. This wood ground served as a guide for the applica-v tion ofthe plaster to said frame-work and also to secure the wood base which was applied to the wall after the plaster had been applied. After the wood ground had been located on each side of the frame-work of the partition, the plaster was then applied to the frame-work and the plaster was allowed to set or harden. 'The wood base ormouldingwas'then n ailedor otherwise secured to the previously assembled wood ground, thus completing the wall or partition.

If a metal base or moulding was required, it4 could be erected according to the method previously described. Another method Was to conmetal members to said clips on each side of the partition.

' According to the construction shown herein, the two sides of the base are connected to each other, as a pre-fabricated unit, and such unit can readily be made at low cost at the factory.

, 'I'his unit may include means which interfit with the vertical columns. It is therefore merely necessary for the workman to erect the vertical columns and then to complete the frame-work of the partition in theusual manner. It is then merely necessary to apply the plaster, and the Work is necessarily absolutely accurate, whereas in hand work inaccuracies may sometimes occur.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the flrst embodiment of the invention comprises o uter body members I and 2. These body members I and 2 are made of metal or other suitable material. These body members have substantially'vertical walls which have inturned top flanges I a and 2a. These top flanges are substantially horizontal, and the junction of said iianges with the vertical walls of said body members I and 2 may be curved. 'I'he invention is not limited to any particular shape or sizeof the members I and 2. A longitudinal metal strap 3, having recesses 4, is connected to the body members I and 2, in any suitable manner. 'For example, planar portions of the longitudinal strap 3 may be connected by spot-welding or in any suitable manner to the horizontal planar transverse legs of U-shaped brackets, which are spaced longitudinally from each other. 'I'he vertical planar legs of said brackets 5 labut the inner surfaces of the vertical walls of members I and 2. The vertical planar legs of brackets 5 and the vertical planar walls of the body members I and 2 can be connected by spot-welding or in any other suitable manner. The planar connecting portions of the strap 3 overlie the horizontal legs ofthe brackets 5. Holes may be provided in the intersecting and connected portions of the strap 3 and of the horizontal legs of the brackets 5, and nails 6 or other fastening members may be driven through said holes into the oor F. The brackets 5 are preferably provided at the ends of strap 3, and also intermediate said ends, if desired.

Upright columns 1, which may be metal channels, may be located as shown in Fig. 2, with the main webs of said columns 'I interfltting with the recesses 4. Referring to Fig. 2, the side walls of the columns 1 may snugly abut the longitudinal edges of the metal straps 3, but I prefer to have a little lateral play between strap 3 and columnsl.

When the columns 1 are located as shown in Fig. 2, the upper ends of the columns can be suitably -connected to the ceiling or to any member which depends from the ceiling. The frame of the wall or partition can then be completed, if desired, by connecting metal mesh or metal lath 8 to the columns I in any suitable manner. These details of finishing the wall or partition are not shown, as they are well known.

Fig. 3 is substantially the same as Fig. 2, save that the body members I and 2 have anges Ia and Ib which are bent so as to form substantially sharp edges or corners with the metal members I and 2. Fig. 3 also shows the metal lath 8 which is suitably connected to the respective columns l, and it also shows the plaster P on each side of columns '1.

Fig. 3 shows a. ush type of partition, in which the outer planar vertical surfaces of the plaster are flush with the outer planar vertical surfaces of the metal body members I and 2.

Fig. 4 shows a type of partition in which the base projects laterally beyond the vertical outer surfaces of the plaster P. Otherwise Fig. 4 is the same as the embodiment of Figs. l and 2.

Fig. 5 is substantially the same as Fig. 4, save that it shows the body members I and 2 provided with flanges Ic and I d which are known in the trade ,as mouldings.

The spot-Welding which is designated in Figs. 3, 4 and 5 by the legend Spot weld may mar the outer surfaces of the vertical walls of the body members I and 2.

Therefore in Fig. 6 I have shown the bodymembersof the base consisting of rolled metal sections 8 and III, said sections respectively having integral bottom anges 9a and I 0a. Transverse metal bars II are spot-welded to the bottom anges 9a and IDa at longitudinally spaced points, and the strap 4, which has the same construction as shown in Fig. 2, has planar portions which are spot-welded to said transverse planar metal barsA II. In this embodiment, the tops ofthe body members 9 and I0 are provided with hookshaped metal flanges 9b and Illb, which are engaged at intervals by U-shaped reinforcing arms IZ which may be spot-welded or otherwise secured to the inner walls of said hook-shaped flanges 9b and Ib. If desired, the vertical arms of the U-shaped arms I2 can have a drive t into the hook-shaped flanges 9b and IIIb. This produces a Arigid and sturdy base structure, whose visible parts are not marred by spot-welding.

Fig. 7 is substantially the same as Fig. 6, save that the members 9 and I0 have their bottom iianges provided with upstanding arms I4 and I5.l

These upstanding arms I4 and I5 are connected at spaced intervals by metal bars I6 having the angular cross-section shown in Fig. '7. The metal bars I6 may be spot-welded to or theymay interlock tightlyr with the body members.

Fig. 8 shows the outer wall I8 of a building, which may be masonry or the like. A metal base member I9 is connected by spotwelding to a bracket 20, which has two vertical legs and an intermediate horizontal web. This bracket 20 is connected to the wall by' means of nails or other fastening members 2|. The members I9 and 28 can be assembled or pre-fabricated at the factory. After this assembled unit has been suitably connected to the wall, plaster P is applied to the inner surface of the wall in order to cover the top leg of bracket 20, and to finish the wall.

Fig. 9-shows an improved structure whereby the plaster is spaced from the inner surface of the outer wall by an `air space, in order to prevent moisture from entering the plaster. In Fig. 9, the body member 22, having the top flange 23, is spot-welded to an angular web 24. 'Ihe strap 4 shown in Fig. 2 has its at or planar ends spottion abut the inner surface of the outer wall I8, and the metal mesh or metal lath 8 is connected v 32 andy 33 are continuous along the length of the l to said columns at their inner races. The' plaster r P is then applied. The columns 1 therefore form an air space between the inner surface of the wall and the adjacent surface ofthe plaster P.

Fig. 10 shows a construction substantially similar to that shown in Figs. 4 and 5, save. that it showsl body members 25 and 26 which are of different heights, and the intermediate supporting brackets also have vertical legs 21 and 21a of different heights.

Fig. 13 is substantially the same as Fig. 2 and Fig'. -4, save that Fig. 13 shows a plurality of base straps 3 and a plurality'of rows of columns 1.

Referring to Figs. 14 and 15, the rolled metal strap 3, having the recesses 4, is replaced by a metal channel 23. The vertical walls of said channel 28 have their b ottom edgesconnected by spot-welding or in any other suitable manner to brackets 5, which are substantially the same as the brackets 5 shown in Fig. 2. The columns 1 rest on the horizontal web of base-channel ,28.

Fig. 16 -showsa channel 23a, Awhose main web has slots 29. This can be used in place of channel 29 in Fig. 14. The columns'I then substantially intert with the Walls of slots 29.

Fig. 17 shows a base made of an integral rolled piece of. metal. This base -h'as vertical walls 30, 3 I, which have hook-shaped flanges 30a, 3 Ia, and a bottom wall having marginal horizontal wallportions 32 and 33 vand a central U-shaped wall'- portion having slots 34. The slots 34`have the same function as the slots 29 shown in Fig. 16. When columns 1 are assembled'with the base shownin Fig. 1'7, the bottoms of the columns rest on the floor.

-In Figs. 17 and 18 the bottom wall-portions base. member. In Fig. 19 the vertical members 30 and 3I are connected at intervals by U-'shaped members 34h having the slots 34.

In every embodiment` the entire base, including the base member with which the vertical columns interlock oronv which the vertical columns rest (as in the caseof Fig: 14) is pre-fabricated as a complete assembly at. the factory. The strap 3 or the equivalent members disclosed in the other drawings: may be omitted without departing from the invention as long as the base has two longitudinal base members rigidly connected in spaced relation. Y 'Q In the embodiment of Figs. 14 and .15, the columns 'I can be connected to the channel/.base

28, by means of clips.

Whenever- I refer to plaster, I include every finishing material which is applied to a wall or partition, and said finishing material may or may not be spreadable. f

Referring to Figs. 3 and 8, the columns 'I in Fig. 3 and the wall I8 in Fig. 8 constitute vertical supporting means to which plaster or other nishing medium is applied. In` each of said gures a base member has a vertical wall or walls which are spaced from said vertical supporting means.

`In Figs. -2 and 17 and infall the other figures, save Figs.. 8 and 9, the base consists of'longitudinal body members interconnected and held in lateral spaced relation, either by the brackets 5 shown in Fig. 2. or by the integral connecting' means shown .in Fig. 17.

One of the great advantages of the constructhen to connect said angular members to each r other by means of the brackets 5. Insuch case each of the legs of the angular base-construction would have its own metal strap 3. Likewise the construction shown in liig.A 2 is adaptable for base-constructions of substantial width, as for example, Where it is necessary to accommodate one or more pipes of large diameter within the wall or partition. -Such pipes may be sewer pipes. In such case the brackets 5 can be made of suitable suilicientfwidth,` or else said brackets 5 could have theircross members made of relatively adjustable portions. Therefore the ,con struction shown in Fig. 2 is very useful in meeting the various conditions which are encountered in erecting a building.

I claim:

1. A base for a wall or partition, said base comprising laterally 'spaced and longitudinal body members and connecting 'means rigidly connecting 'said body members in lateral spaced relation, said connecting means being integral with and`being located below the tops of said body members, said connecting means having openings which are shaped to receive upstanding openings which are shaped to receive upstanding studs, and to holdsaid studs' against substantial longitudinal movement relative Vto said body members.

. 3. In combination'with a base for a wall or partition, said base comprising laterally spaced longitudinal body members, longitudinally spaced lateral connecting members rigidly connecting said bodymembers in lateral spaced relation, a

longitudinal member' located .intermediate said bodymembers 'and held in fixed relation thereto,

said intermediatelongitudinal member having recesses which are spaced longitudinally, said recesses being shaped to receive upstanding studs,

yand to hold said studs against-substantial longitudinal movement relative to saidbody members, plaster located in said base and above said base and exposing said body members.

' 4. A Wall` construction comprising laterally spaced longitudinal base members, longitudinally spaced lateral connecting members which are lof y cated intermediate said bodymembers, said laterally spaced connecting members being rigidly connected to said body membersto hold them in 'lateral spaced relation, a longitudinal member located intermediate said body members and held in fixed relation relative to said base members, said intermediate longitudinal member having recesses which are shaped longitudinally, upstanding studs having their bottom ends located in said recesses, the bottom ends of said studs being shaped to interiit with the walls of said recesses, plaster facing covering said studs, said- I being spaced longitudinally relative to eachother, additional means located intermediate said base members and shaped and adapted to hold the lower ends of said upstanding studs against substantial longitudinal movement relative `to said 5 base members, plaster facing covering said studs,

said plaster facing exposing said base members.

' HARRY HOLDSWORTH. 

